Chapter Text
“Jason!” You exclaimed as you approached your friend. He grinned at you, wrapping his arms around you to pull you in for a hug that ended with him lifting you off the ground as you giggled. It had been a long time since you had seen him, and he had called you earlier in the week to check in on you since you had just moved to L.A.
Tonight, you were at a local club, ready to perform for the first time since you had moved to the city. Jason’s phone call to you had been mostly to see if you’d be interested in opening for his band, The Station Breaks.
“It’s been too long,” he beamed as he put you back on the ground finally.
“It really has,” you agreed. “Thank you so much for letting me do this by the way. It’s not as easy as it looks to get gigs around here.”
“Are you kidding? You’re amazing and you’ll be getting even better gigs before you know it.”
“Thanks. But, I’m excited to see your band play. I have the album, it’s fantastic. You guys are great.”
“Thanks,” he replied. “Hey, you should come meet the guys. Although, I feel like I should warn you about Rob first…”
“Oh? I’m being warned before I even get the chance to meet him?”
“It’s just, you’re exactly his type and he sort of has a reputation,” Jason explained as you followed him. “Just- don’t be too surprised when he hits on you; and don’t fall for it.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” you chuckled.
When you finally reached the green room of the club, you were greeted by a group of men, all who looked right up at you as you walked in.
“Hey guys,” Jason began, “this is Y/N, the girl I was telling you about. She’s opening for us and she’s fantastic.”
You waved shyly to the men, scanning the space as you were introduced to each of them. You tried hard to connect names with faces and you weren’t sure if you could keep up with all of this. Before Jason could introduce you to the last man, he was already standing up to approach you.
“Hey,” the man said as he smiled at you. He reached out a hand and you slowly took it, breath catching as he took a firm hold of it. “I’m Rob.”
“Y/N,” you responded. You could already feel your face heat up and you just hoped it wasn’t noticeable. Jason warned you about this guy, but he didn’t warn you about how attractive he was. He looked at you with bright blue eyes, crinkles forming in the corners as he smiled hard at you. That smile… you had never been so taken aback by someone’s smile before, but his was infectious.
“I’ve heard a little bit about you,” he said. “Apparently Jason is less of a gentleman than we all thought. He never told me that he had such a beautiful and talented childhood friend.”
“Oh, well, I don’t know about all of that. But, it has been a long time since we’ve seen each other.”
“Yeah, buddy,” Jason cut in, “there’s a reason I never mentioned her.”
“You trying to keep her all to yourself?” Rob asked, not taking his eyes off of you. You should have felt uncomfortable in the moment, but you were certainly already intrigued by him.
“She’s not my girlfriend,” Jason pointed out. He made a point of grabbing Rob’s hand to remove the grip that he still had on yours.
“I didn’t say she was. Just wondering why you’ve neglected to mention her.”
“Because she’s off-limits,” he replied sternly.
“What do you mean?”
“You know damn well what I mean,” Jason replied as he held Rob’s stare.
Your eyes darted back and forth between the two men. This exchange wasn’t unusual. Jason had always been like a protective older brother to you, you had witnessed him telling guys to back off when it came to you on countless occasions. Even after all this time, nothing had changed. You couldn’t help but smile as you watched their exchange.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Rob argued.
“Okay, look,” you began, trying to ease the tension of the moment, “this whole alpha-male thing is flattering and all, but can you two stop? We’ve got a show to do.”
“Of course,” Jason smiled as he turned to you. “Your first L.A. show. It’s a big deal.”
“Thank you,” you said. “Now if you don’t mind, I’ve got to open for you guys.”
You turned to leave the room, already feeling the nerves start. It wasn’t the first time you’d ever performed in front of people, but it was a new city and it was your first time singing with Jason there in a long time. Also, you may have been slightly thrown off by Rob, who had caught your eye for some reason. If you weren’t mistaken, you might have caught his too. Jason’s words replayed in your mind though. Apparently Rob was a player and everyone knew it. Even this knowledge didn’t sway you from thinking about how attractive he was. It wasn’t beyond you to partake in exactly the same things that Jason was accusing Rob of. There had definitely been a few men that you had simply hooked up with just for the sake of doing it. You felt sort of bad that Jason was making such a big deal out of Rob being the same way with women.
However, Jason held you to very high standards and thought the world of you. He was practically your older brother, and you assumed that he couldn’t imagine you being anything but sweet and innocent. That wasn’t an image that you wanted to destroy in his mind.
You got yourself set up on stage, slinging your guitar over your body as you leaned into the microphone.
“Hi everyone. Thanks for coming out tonight. I’m Y/N and I’m opening for a little band called The Station Breaks.” You paused while the audience applauded. “So, I’ll make this set short and sweet so you can all hear who you really came here for.”
You took a moment to make sure you were still tuned and addressed the audience again.
You started to strum and went into your first song.
The entire time on stage, you gave it your all. You had a lot of people to try to impress tonight. First of all, there was the audience; and then there was Jason and his band. Jason had mentioned the possibility of working with you somehow, and you knew you had to show that you were good at what you did to earn that opportunity.
You played a short set of songs, feeling less nervous as the audience cheered after each one and gave you their attention during the set. You didn’t know what Jason was thinking, and you only noticed him and the guys standing in the back of the room, watching from afar.
When you finished your last song, you felt a weight lift off of you. Not only had you done really well and the audience agreed, it had been extremely cathartic to play these songs finally. Leaving home and moving to the city had been a huge and stressful step for you, and right now, you felt more at ease over the decision.
“Y/N!” Jason exclaimed as he pulled you in for another bear hug after you left the stage. “You are so good, you amaze me more and more with what you can do with that voice.”
“Thank you,” you giggled.
“Listen, we gotta go set up,” he continued, “but we are definitely talking about that set when the show is over.”
Jason squeezed your arm as he moved past you toward the stage. You stood there, smiling stupidly at how good you felt right now. You decided you needed a drink to come down from your high while you watched his band play. Before you could make your way to the bar, Rob had found you, passing over a drink to you with a smile.
“Do you drink beer?” He asked.
“I can handle that. Thank you.” You took the bottle from him and took a long sip as you eyed him. Yes, he was definitely good looking and you could really get used to looking at him now that Jason had finally introduced you.
“You were really great up there,” he said. “Jason never said that you had a voice like that.”
“Well, I think I surprised even him.”
“You write those songs?”
“I did. I even play my own guitar,” you joked.
“Wow, multi-talented.”
“Well, you too,” you replied. “Really, I’ve heard the album and I love it. You’ve really got a way with words.”
“As do you.”
“Don’t you have a set to get ready for?”
“Probably,” he replied as he stared off to the stage where the other guys were busy working. “I could just let them do it so I can talk to you longer.”
“I’m flattered, but I promise I’ll be here after.”
“Alright,” he chuckled. “We’ll talk after.”
You nodded as he looked at you for a moment. You saw him bite his lip before taking another drink of his beer and before you could speak again, he was heading to the stage. You found a seat at a table where you could watch from and you made yourself comfortable as the band started.
During the set, you had been smiling and singing along, swaying in your seat and generally amazed at how great they were live. It didn’t surprise you with Jason, you had known him for years, but the entire band held up well. You didn’t want to admit to yourself that maybe you had been watching Rob the entire time; entranced by his voice and the way he moved on stage. He was an emotional singer, and you felt that you understood him as a songwriter a little better now that you were watching him perform.
When the band wrapped up and bounded offstage, you waited for them as they were surrounded by fans asking for pictures. You smiled at how friendly they were and how they paid attention to each fan.
When the crowd died down, Jason made his way to you.
“Wow, you talk about me up there, but you guys are really good,” you said as he took a seat across from you.
“You enjoyed it?”
“Yeah,” you replied. “You and Rob sound great together. The entire band is amazing.”
“Well, I think we all had a really successful night.” Rob chimed in out of nowhere, standing next to you as Jason rolled his eyes at him.
“Yeah, we really did,” you agreed. You smirked at Jason, knowing full well that he didn’t like the idea of Rob talking to you. You on the other hand found it to be flattering to have the attention of this man, even if he might not have such a good reputation.
“Let’s celebrate,” Rob added. “We’ve also got business to discuss.”
“What business?” You asked.
“Nothing,” Jason assured you, “we just had some thoughts on a tour that we’ve got coming up.”
“You guys are going on tour? That’s exciting.”
“Yeah, just a short east coast thing. Actually, that’s why I asked you to come tonight. We’re looking for someone to take with us and I have to say, I think you impressed everyone.”
“You want me to tour with you?”
“Well, we gotta discuss it, but I think that’s the idea.”
Billy was in charge of getting everyone drinks as you and the band sat around the table together. Jason and Rob took turns explaining the tour that they had planned and what it would entail. It all seemed easy enough, and fun. You would go to New York to play a bunch of shows and that would be it. There were no long rehearsal schedules and the entire thing seemed pretty relaxed.
“We’re just always looking for someone new to add as an opener,” Rob explained. “And I think you’d fit right in. People will love you.”
“So, what do you think?” Jason asked.
“Are you kidding?” You laughed as you gained a moment to let it all sink in. “I think it sounds great.”
“So, you’d do it?” Rob asked.
“Hell yeah I’ll do it.”
“Perfect. We’ll get all the details sorted later, but welcome to the tour.”
You drank for some time with the guys, laughing and talking and getting to know them each better. Rob offered you a lot of his time, which you gladly accepted. You enjoyed talking to him and you liked looking at him.
“So, what brings you to L.A.?” Rob asked as the two of you sat next to each other, alone now as the other guys had wandered off.
“Uh, well. I guess just being able to play music. I wasn’t really having a lot of luck back home, figured something new would help. Why not L.A.?”
“Well, I’m glad you chose this city,” He replied with a sly smile.
“You are?” you asked with a grin. “Why would you be so glad? You don’t even know me.”
“No, but I could.”
“Just for the record, Jason told me to avoid you.” You pointed out. You were curious as to what Rob thought of that. You were also curious as to exactly what kind of player he was. Jason made a big deal out of it, you figured it must go beyond just the occasional hook-up with strangers at the bar.
“Now, why would he do that?” Rob replied. He smirked, not looking too surprised that Jason had possibly warned you about him.
“You know, I’m not really sure. You seem like a nice enough guy.”
Rob shrugged, still grinning at you as he continued to stare. “I’m all for the idea of you coming to that conclusion on your own.”
“I wonder if you say that to all the ladies, and I wonder what their conclusions of you are in the end.”
Rob looked as if he had definitely been caught. He chuckled and turned his eyes from you.
“Well, I wouldn’t suggest asking any of them.”
“I won’t. Jason seems to have enough to say about you anyway.”
“Yeah, some friend he turned out to be,” Rob smiled.
“He’s looking out for me. He always has. I think he warns me about every man who’s ever shown interest.”
“You think I’m interested?” He asked slyly.
“Oh, I know you are,” you replied confidently. “I know your type.”
“I could say the same for you.”
“So, you think you know my type?”
“Hmm,” he hummed. “I’m still trying to figure you out actually.”
“Relax, we’ve only just met.”
“You know, Jason talked about you tonight as if you’re this sweet and innocent girl from back home, and I see that when I look at you. But, why am I getting something different from you?”
“He really talks me up, doesn’t he,” you said as you internally cringed. You knew that the man had only good things to say about you, but even you were embarrassed at the way he seemed to describe you to his friends.
“You have no idea. By the way, he also has told me repeatedly to avoid you.”
“I’m assuming he’s telling us to avoid each other for very different reasons.”
“Yeah. Maybe I do have a reputation,” he smirked. “But something tells me that you might have a side to you that even Jason doesn’t know about.”
You smirked in return, pleased that Rob seemed to have caught on to you quickly. It wasn’t something that you threw out there. You enjoyed the idea of having a bit of mystery to yourself.
“Maybe you’re not wrong,” you flirted.
“Would it be too forward of me to say that I would really like to find out?”
“Trust me, you being forward is nothing that I can’t handle.”
“I think we need more drinks,” he said, his eyes never leaving yours.
“I agree.”
When Rob was at a safe distance from you, it didn’t surprise you when Jason approached. You had noticed his stares the entire time and were only waiting for the moment when he would cut into the nice conversation you were having with Rob. You appreciated that he had stayed out of it while the two of you flirted heavily back and forth, but you knew what was coming the second Jason joined you at the table now that Rob had stepped away.
“Y/N,” Jason began as he sat across from you. “If Rob gets out of line with you, just let me know.”
“I can handle myself. He’s fine.”
“He’s hitting on you a lot already, even though I told him not to.”
“He seems like the kind of guy who would do the exact opposite of what anyone tells him to do.”
“You’re not wrong about that,” he said as he stared off. “He’s just- not the nicest guy when it comes to women.”
“What do you mean? He’s been very nice to me.”
“Well, he’s being nice because he’s trying to get in your pants.”
You grinned at him, wondering if you should keep up with the innocent act or if you should tell him to back off.
“Relax, I can handle it. Besides, it’s kind of flattering. He’s cute.”
Jason frowned at you. “Don’t let the cute act fool you. He’s kind of a dick.”
“You talk about all your friends like that?”
“Only the ones who actually are like that.”
“I appreciate that even after all these years you still try to protect me. But I don’t think I need protection from him.”
“That’s because you don’t know him.”
“What if I said I’d like to get to know him?”
“Then I’ll just tell you to be careful,” he replied.
Before you could respond to his concerns, the two of you noticed that Rob was already headed back with drinks. You turned and smiled at Jason, giving him the look that you always gave to him when you wanted him to leave.
He took your hint and stood up.
“It’s great that you’re making friends with the guys so easily,” he continued. “But, just don’t let that one get too friendly. You’ll regret it.”
“Thanks, dad,” You said sarcastically as you watched him walk away finally.
You turned your attention back to Rob as he rejoined you.
“I’m not even gonna ask what that was all about,” he said as he nodded in Jason’s direction.
“You probably don’t want to know,” you insisted.
“I’m sure it was nothing that he hasn’t already said to my face.”
“So, how are the two of you such good friends when all he ever does is talk shit about you?”
“He generally just gives me a hard time,” Rob replied. “I gotta say, I think I’m pissing him off now that I’m interested in you.”
“So you are interested?” You asked, grinning slightly at him before taking a drink.
“Okay, so I am,” he shrugged. “But something tells me that you might be as well.”
“Or maybe I just like to make men think that I’m interested,” you answered playfully.
“You don’t strike me as the kind of girl who plays games.”
“You’ve got a lot to learn then.”
You considered heeding Jason’s warnings about this man. After all, it had been a long time since you had engaged in a fling. But even those warnings didn’t stop you from realizing that you were attracted to Rob right away. You knew he was flirting and everything in you told you to flirt right back. Although you thought you had given up that part of your life some time ago, you wondered if you could be willing to slip back into your old ways if it meant that Rob got to be your conquest. Something told you that he wouldn’t object to it.
You continued to drink and chat with Rob, realizing that you actually enjoyed his company. After you had your fill for the night and were slightly buzzed, you decided to head home. It was late and the guys didn’t seem to be stopping any time soon. You excused yourself from another discussion with Rob, letting him know that you were done for the night. Instead of trying to talk you into staying, he politely offered walked you out.
When you made it outside, you said goodbye to him and turned to leave. You had maybe gotten a few feet away when he called after you.
“Hey, I know you’re new to the city, so if you want, I can show you around sometime.”
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” you said as you turned back to face him. His offer was no surprise, and perhaps you felt a hint of interest in taking him up on it, but you decided to see if you could still play the game the way you had in the past. You also wanted to know if Rob would be the kind of guy to play along.
“Okay, what exactly did Jason say about me?”
“Just that you’ve got a reputation. And, I should maybe stay away from you. That’s it.”
“Of course he did,” Rob laughed. “Look, I am actually a pretty nice guy.”
“I don’t doubt it,” you smiled.
“So… we can hang out soon. I can take you around the city, show you a good time.”
“A good time, huh?” You laughed. “Yeah, I bet you could.”
You were sure that you were making it obvious that you were considering. Not so much the idea of him showing you around; but it had been his last statement that drew you in. You regained your composure when you realized that you weren’t willing to give into this one so easily.
“I’ll see you in a few weeks,” you added as you turned your back to him and started walking.
You were intrigued by the man, and maybe very interested in him, but you also understood the type of guy that he was. Not one to let someone get the best of you, you felt it necessary to step up your own game and play hard to get. You generally went for guys who weren’t so forward and you enjoyed the ones who didn’t even see you coming. But, Rob was certainly a lot like you in more obvious ways. You also very much wanted to know if you could play the game with someone who seemed to be your equal on the field. This one could be fun.